Airlie Beach Race Week 2024

Celebrating 36 years, Airlie Beach Race Week will be setting sail once again this August with 150 yachts and over 3000 skippers, crew, and spectators expected to attend the 2024 event. A lively on-water regatta with nightly shore side entertainment, Race Week is as much fun for sailors jostling for places in each race as it is for guests at the Whitsunday Sailing Club lawn.

Live music will create a party atmosphere every night and a host of food vans will provide a grazing, social dinner venue for all to enjoy. While Airlie Beach Race Week is dedicated to avid sailors, it is also an event for the whole community to enjoy and everyone is welcome to come on down and enjoy the lively atmosphere and vibrant camaraderie of event.

LIVE MUSIC EVERY NIGHT

Live music will be played every evening on the Whitsunday Sailing Club lawn. An eclectic mix of local musicians will serenade sun-kissed sailors and locals alike, creating the ambience the festival is renowned for – that of festivity, fun and freedom.   When: Every night
Where: Whitsunday Sailing Club
Tickets: Free event for the whole community

Food Stall Fiesta

The expansive Festival Village front lawn of the Sailing Club will transform into a vibrant foodie’s paradise with a variety of food and drink vans including Mount Gay Rum Bar. Festoon lighting and festive bunting will adorn the activities and live music will create a groovy vibe while everyone enjoys a night under the stars with the lights of the boats dotting the horizon. For those preferring a sit-down dining experience, head to the Whitsunday Sailing Club and dine inside or head to their ocean view deck. A full menu will be available throughout the festivities.
When: Every night
Where: Whitsunday Sailing Club Lawn
Time: From 2pm
Tickets: Free event for the whole community

SEE WHALES AND SAILING FROM THE OCEAN DYNAMICS BOAT

While much of the on-water activity can be viewed from land, if you wish to get up close to the action, head out on one of the spectator boats with Ocean Dynamics for a day of adventure. Staying close to the pack, you will be able to watch the boats jostle for position and enjoy the thrill of the race from the comforts of a secure and hosted tour. Each tour takes roughly 3-4 hours, and you may also see whales swim majestically by.

THE LONG TABLE LUNCH – LAY-DAY

Festival attendees and members of the community are invited to the extravagant long table lunch which will be held on the shaded first-floor outdoor balcony of the Sailing Club on Monday afternoon. Live Music and Festival Village kicks off early on Lay Day, from 12pm for those not attending the Long Lunch. Head down for food stalls and live entertainment. In addition to the extravagant 3 course lunch, Ocean Dynamics is offering the opportunity to cruise to Whitehaven Beach on Ocean Enigma, a 28m motor yacht. Departing Airlie Beach at 10:30am and returning at 4:30pm - you will have around 3 hours at the beach. $199pp including burgers and a welcome cocktail. Limited seats so book early to avoid missing out!
Booking details: vip@oceand.au 0499 862 021 or 0499 862 002
When: Monday 12th August
Time: 12pm onwards

Closing Ceremony Firework Display

The fina night presentations and closing ceremony is marked by a fantastic firework display which can be best viewed from the Whitsunday Sailing Club lawn or upstairs on the balcony. The whole community are invited to come down and enjoy the display which is free for all to enjoy.
When: Thursday 15th August
Time: 8pm
Tickets: Free for the community

FAST FACTS

• Up to 3000 participants will compete on 150 vessels

• Racers come from as far afield as Tasmania, Western Australia, New Zealand and New Caledonia

• There are 50 different courses and 14 divisions

• Boats travel 25 miles a day on average

• Races kick-off at approx. 10am and finish late afternoon

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